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A routine EKG with my primary care physician shows a 1st Degree heart block. Does this mean that I automatically will progress to 2nd and 3rd degree? I am a otherwise very healthy and fit 64 year old woman who works out regularly and eats right.

I wish I knew what caused this so if it is something I can change (so it doesn't progress) I want to do that.

6 Replies |Watch This Discussion | Report This| Share this:I have 1st degree AV BlockA routine EKG with my primary care physician shows a 1st Degree heart block. Does this mean that I automatically will progress to 2nd and 3rd degree? I am a otherwise very healthy and fit 64 year old woman who works out regularly and eats right.

I wish I knew what caused this so if it is something I can change (so it doesn't progress) I want to do that.

First-degree heart block (also called first-degree AV block). The electrical impulses are slowed as they pass through the conduction system, but all of them successfully reach the ventricles.

☞First-degree heart block rarely causes any symptoms or problems, and well-trained athletes may have this. Medications can contribute to the condition. No treatment is generally necessary for first degree heart block

First-degree heart block, or first-degree AV block, is when the electrical impulse moves through the AV node more slowly than normal. The time it takes for the impulse to get from the atria to the ventricles (the PR interval) should be less than about 0.2 seconds. If it takes longer than this, it's called first-degree heart block.

Heart rate and rhythm are normal, and there may be nothing wrong with the heart.

Certain heart medicines such as digitalis can slow conduction of the impulse from the atria to the ventricles and cause first-degree AV block. Also, well-trained athletes may have it.

First-degree heart block (also called first-degree AV block). The electrical impulses are slowed as they pass through the conduction system, but all of them successfully reach the ventricles.

☞First-degree heart block rarely causes any symptoms or problems, and well-trained athletes may have this. Medications can contribute to the condition. No treatment is generally necessary for first degree heart block

First-degree heart block, or first-degree AV block, is when the electrical impulse moves through the AV node more slowly than normal. The time it takes for the impulse to get from the atria to the ventricles (the PR interval) should be less than about 0.2 seconds. If it takes longer than this, it's called first-degree heart block.

Heart rate and rhythm are normal, and there may be nothing wrong with the heart.

Certain heart medicines such as digitalis can slow conduction of the impulse from the atria to the ventricles and cause first-degree AV block. Also, well-trained athletes may have it.

Most people who have first degree heart block are asymptomatic and don't get into trouble later. I would generally consider it an incidental finding. Unfortunately there is nothing that you can do to avoid future changes in your heart's electrical system if they are destined to be. But it is generally unlikely.

Thanks for your Reply!

Report This| Share this:I have 1st degree AV BlockMost people who have first degree heart block are asymptomatic and don't get into trouble later. I would generally consider it an incidental finding. Unfortunately there is nothing that you can do to avoid future changes in your heart's electrical system if they are destined to be. But it is generally unlikely.

I had one ECG that said I have Sinus Bradycardia with 1st degree AV block and a later one with Normal sinus rhythm. Sometimes I do feel like a valve is not closing and some extra thumping is going on. It sometimes happens when I run (I'm a competitive runner), more likely going upstairs or just getting up from sitting, but sometimes even when I sit. The latter is less likely. There is some left atrial enlargement on the ECG but the echo showed normal. I have trace regurgitation in my Mitral. Mild regurgitation in my Tricuspid. And now they say I have trace regurgitation in my Pulmonic valve. Aortic, except for some valve thickness, is normal. Lastly I just read that if my QT is less than 500 then maybe I shouldn't be competitive. My last one was 420/459. What do you think?

I had one ECG that said I have Sinus Bradycardia with 1st degree AV block and a later one with Normal sinus rhythm. Sometimes I do feel like a valve is not closing and some extra thumping is going on. It sometimes happens when I run (I'm a competitive runner), more likely going upstairs or just getting up from sitting, but sometimes even when I sit. The latter is less likely. There is some left atrial enlargement on the ECG but the echo showed normal. I have trace regurgitation in my Mitral. Mild regurgitation in my Tricuspid. And now they say I have trace regurgitation in my Pulmonic valve. Aortic, except for some valve thickness, is normal. Lastly I just read that if my QT is less than 500 then maybe I shouldn't be competitive. My last one was 420/459. What do you think?

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